MIDDLESEX DA RACE: Meet the candidates

Wednesday

Aug 15, 2018 at 9:29 AMAug 15, 2018 at 11:57 AM

On Sept. 4, Middlesex County residents will face a choice: Who should be their next district attorney?

The incumbent, Marian Ryan, is facing Winchester lawyer Dona Patalano in the Democratic primary race. There is no Republican registered to run for the seat, however write-in candidates will be allowed in the Nov. 8, 2018 general election.

District attorneys determine the punishment in 9 of 10 criminal cases, closing them with plea bargains, according to the Massachusetts branch of the American Civil Liberties Union. DAs, not judges, decide if an individual is charged with a crime, and they can recommend bail or leaner sentences and diversions, such as drug treatment programs.

Wicked Local asked each candidate to submit a short biography, list of endorsements received to date, and a 600-word candidate statement.